Whelan has rejected Chelsea's approaches three times and now claims he has reached the end of the line. "They need to pay the brass up front, we don't want any part exchange deals they have offered," he told ESPN.

Chelsea have so far offered £4 million and a choice of one of their fringe players either on loan, or a player to the value of that sum.

"Victor is one of the most exciting young talents around so little wonder Chelsea want him, but if they want him they are going to have to pay the price," Whelan said.

"I shall be finding out today whether Chelsea will pay cash because we are not interested in picking up one of their players on loan or in part exchange.

"They know the price for Moses, we are looking to reach £10 million if that means £8 million cash and some add-ons, that fine, as the lad knows that we want him to stay but that we won't stand in his way either.

"I don't like standing in the way of a young player who can make the jump to one of Europe's great clubs and play well for them, I would just wish him all the best.

"But really we don't want him to go, he will be worth £15 million or £20 million after a few months with a club like Chelsea. He has a year left on his contract, we have offered him a new one, but we can understand why he would want to play for Chelsea, although I must say there are other clubs sniffing around too.

"This boy has wonderful ability and that has been helped by Roberto who has brought him along as a player, as he does all the coaching himself. That is something the clubs discuss," Blues boss Di Matteo said when asked about Chelsea's interest in Moses this week. "At the moment he is a Wigan player. He had a good season last season. He is a young, interesting prospect."